Don't know your local paper?

New buildings taking shape

The new south block will be open for staff and students at Applecross Senior High School at the beginning of 2014.

The school has received approval from the Department of Education Director General to close seven days early this month, so teachers can move into new classrooms in readiness for 2014.

Principal Myles Draper said the last day for students for 2013 would be Friday, December 13.

‘Normal classes will not be running after this time,’ Mr Draper said. ‘Children who attend will be supervised; it will be necessary to run a modified program of private study.’

The school’s large south block has been under construction since 2012, following the 2011 relocation of the tennis courts and demolition of the old design and technology building and performing arts centre, and will be ready for the start of 2014.

‘By the second half of 2014, the original planned works to the school should be completed with some minor work scheduled for 2015,’ Mr Draper said.

‘The new south block will house specialist teaching areas including science, art, home economics, the new resource centre/library, cafe, gym, fitness centre and administration. There are 15 transportable classrooms located at the front of the school and on the oval. These will be in place until the end of the project.

‘The new design and technology building was ready for occupation at the end of 2012. The new performing arts, dance studio and music studios will be located in the current school hall that will be fully refurbished.

‘After the allocation of State Government funds in 2009, it was decided Year 7 students would move into high schools in 2015.

‘The scope of the building program was increased, and the science rooms and original library scheduled for demolition will now be retained as the Year 7 wing.

‘Due to its heritage listing, the original two storey H Block will be retained and refurbished to house general classrooms and computer laboratories.’

Mr Draper said benefits would include interactive white boards and data projectors, internet and computers in every classroom, and two lifts for disabled access.